Thurrock 8, Beckenham 35

THURROCK beat the best that Storm Darragh could throw at a rain and windswept Oakfield this afternoon (Saturday, 7 December), but sadly a bigger force proved to be visiting Beckenham who moved to the top of the London and South East Regional 2 South East table as a result of their victory.

Thurrock made a promising start and Harry Reynolds converted an early penalty. but Beckenham responded with a converted try.

However, the home side responded well and, within minutes, regained the lead when they pressed wide on the left and forced a second try after a drive following a line-out.

Thurrock continued to press and were somewhat unlucky not to make possession pay and despite couple of forays close to the Beckenham line they had to settle for taking a narrow lead into the break,

That, though, was to be as good as it got and Beckenham, albeit gradually, took control of the match in the second half on the back of some conentiuous refereeing decisions and moved to a victory that lifted them to the top of the table.

Tees, in contrast, sit bottom of 12 teams, cut adrift by nine points.

The borough side have yet to record a win and have accrued just four bonus point as the RFU-inflicted switch to the South Thames division continues to bear down on a team in transition.

You can watch today's match here this link.

However, optimism remains and next week, after some improved away performances, Thurrock will be hopeful that a trip to Old Tiffinians may prove productive.

There's rugby at Oakfield tomorrow with junior sides in action in the morning and the T-Birds Seconds taking on Wasps in the South East (North Division. Here's the live stream link if you can't make it to the game:

https://www.youtube.com/live/AyeJqBLkYUE?si=rZBUYPEzibyZRqAb